The BRUCE HULK & JIM THOR Show...

Copyright MARVEL COMICS

Another couple of Marvel classic collectables added to the fold, Crivvies.  I've already got Journey Into Mystery #83, but it's the one with the UK price on it and without the month in the number box.  Now I'm spoilt for choice.  I wish Marvel would hurry up and do a JIM Facsimile Edition, as it would be nice to see this issue in a pristine presentation.  (Even though I already have brand-spanking new reprints of Thor's origin story in various publications.)

Talking of being spoilt for choice, what should I do with myself now?  Gaze lovingly at my Scalextric FAB 1, or luxuriate in the glories of some of the other goodies I've acquired recently?  Just how do I decide?  (Eeny, meeny, miny, moe...)

SCALEXTRIC FAB 1 IS - WELL, ABSOLUTELY FAB!

Copyright relevant owners

It's been many years since I owned a Scalextric set - decades in fact, way back in the '60s - and I have no plans to buy one any time soon, if ever.  However, when I saw this new FAB 1 car from Thunderbirds, I simply had to have it.  I'm content for it to stay in its display case and just enjoy looking at it from time-to-time.  It's definitely the best model representation of Lady Penelope's Rolls Royce I've ever seen, and the detail on her ladyship and Parker is amazing.

It's also quite a bit bigger than the Dinky and Corgi versions, and if there's a finer one to be had than this one, I'd be surprised.  Scalextric also do a TV Batmobile and an Aston Martin D.B.5 (as well as other character cars), but I'm probably over-subscribed in those departments so I'll likely give them a miss.  (Never say never though.)  So whaddya think, Crivvies?  Is the Scalextric FAB 1 the bees-knees or what?  All I can say is "Scalextric - well done!"

To see the first two images at their best, click to enlarge - with the third photo, click to enlarge, then click again for optimum size.

Presenting: The DOCTOR WHO ANNUAL That Never Was - But now IS!

Copyright BBC TV

A few years ago I read somewhere about a privately-produced 'fan' Annual of Dr. Who featuring William Hartnell.  The idea was to make it look as if it'd been published in the '60s and I must confess the idea rather appealed to me.  However, I never got around to ordering one until recently, when semi-regular commenter JP reminded me of its existence.

I think I got the very last one the publisher still had (unless he's printed some more) and I've enjoyed browsing through it.  It's not perfect though, with some decidedly 'dodgy' amateur illustrations, and the lettering and speech balloon shapes on one of the two picture-strips is pretty dreadful, it has to be said.

However, overall, it's a very slick and professional-looking piece of work and most of the art is around the standard of the two genuine Bill Hartnell Dr. Who Annuals for 1966 and '67, so this one makes a nice addition to anyone who has them in their collection.  I think there are other 'faux' Annuals for other years (and Doctors), but I won't be bothering with them.

Anyway, thought you Crivvies might like to see a few images from my newest acquisition, so here they are - enjoy!  (And welcome back to the '60s.) 

This isn't the strip I referred to in my intro - this is the 'better' lettered of the two